Interview workshop lands student dream apprenticeship

A student from Barking and Dagenham College has kickstarted his career in construction by landing a job as a management trainee at United Living.

Ben Burwood (21), who is studying an HNC in Construction and the Built Environment, attended an interview workshop at the college on 15th January 2016 where members of United Living’s community development team were on hand to provide students with tips on interview techniques and improving their CVs.

They were so impressed with Ben’s performance that they invited him to a real interview for a management trainee position, leading to an offer to join United Living’s refurbishment south team.

The job will see Ben continue with his studies one day a week, while gaining practical experience at United Living in various roles, including estimating and quantity surveying.

‘Over the moon’

Ben said: “I’ve wanted a career in construction since I was 17 when I first did some work experience and got a taster for what’s involved. I was really keen to join a large firm so went along to the interview workshop to help brush up my skills. I never expected to be offered a real interview, so that came as a big surprise, particularly as I’d been looking for a job for around six months.

“When I was offered the position, I was over the moon. I’m really looking forward to getting to grips with the different roles and learning new things. There are some great people at United Living so I know that I’ll gain a lot and can’t wait to get started.

‘The best possible chance of employment’

Daren Moseley, regional director at United Living added: “The workshops are an ideal opportunity to help students prepare for the world of work and ensure they are given the best possible chance of employment. Ben really stood out on the day, showing bags of enthusiasm for his course and the industry as a whole, including having already gained some valuable work experience.

“We are always on the look out for talented new employees, particularly apprentices, that we can train and support, so jumped at the chance to invite him in for an interview. Ben’s ambition, skills and potential were obvious throughout, so we were delighted to be able to offer him the role. We’re sure that he’ll be a rising star and a great asset to the team.”